Whether it took you a week, a month, or a year to grow your beard, it’s a part of you and you are proud of it. At first, you may not think your facial hair is deserving of time and attention, but the more you care for your hard-earned facial hair, the healthier it will be. Here are some must-do tips for maintaining excellent facial hair.

Invest in a Grooming Kit

Depending on the length of your beard you will require more tools. One beard essential is a good trimmer. Just like your head hair, your beard requires frequent trimming to keep all hairs looking their best. The trimmer will allow you to keep your desired length of beard and ensure longer hairs don’t overtake your beard style.

Proper Hygiene

It is important to clean your beard every day, especially if your beard also includes a moustache. Everything you put in your mouth goes through your facial hair. All the food and drink you have in a day can produce build up in your facial hair that can cause bacteria if not cleaned on a regular basis. Your beard is also at risk of retaining odours if not properly cleaned. Wash your face many times in a day with clean warm water to ensure no dinner stragglers get left behind in your beard.

It’s important to shampoo and condition your facial hair, but you don’t want to over-cleanse it with soap. Once a week is sufficient for a shampoo and conditioner treatment in the shower. Your facial hair needs the natural oils your body produces in order to stay moisturized and healthy. Try applying some beard oils after shower as an added moisturizing touch.

Hands Off

Although it may be tempting, try to avoid touching your facial hair throughout the day. Many men claim that it’s difficult to avoid constantly touching their beards, but it’s important to be as hands off as you possibly can. The more you play with your beard, the more damaged the hair will become.

Brush, Brush, Brush!

If your beard is long enough to require a brush, invest in a boar-hair brush. This type of brush will move the natural oils around your beard without stripping it of its natural oils. Don’t let your beard become matted and unruly. There is no need for frizzy beards with the products and brushes available to men these days.

A beard can be a defining look for a man. Don’t let your face tell a scary story, keep your beard tame and presentable with the right daily maintenance.